46 - Eric Spicer and Keith McCallum

Monday, December 22, 1975, was a busy day in Dartmouth, a small eastern Canadian city bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The weather was getting colder, and the nights were at their longest. It had snowed a bit that day, but it was relatively mild for the time of year. Cpl. Eric Spicer had a shift starting at midnight on the 23rd, but there were lots to do before. He was reprising his role as Santa Claus at the annual police club's Children's party for a few hours before going on duty. He loved the holidays and couldn't wait until after his shift to spend the morning with his two little girls, under four. If only they had known, he would be gone a few hours later. Eric Spicer was very involved in his community, not only as a respected police officer but as a kind and helpful person. He spent much time teaching Sunday school and working at various school dances. In addition, he was incredibly kind to the local children, often bringing them balls to play stick hockey. Keith McCallum was preparing for his shift, too, presumedly dressing for the weather and combing his thick dark hair. He worked as a taxi driver for Bob's Taxi and had only been in the Dartmouth/Halifax area for under a year. He was originally from the village of Bible Hill, approximately 96 km (60 miles) north of Halifax. Little did anyone know that their paths would cross shortly within their shifts, and their lives would be cut short by an assailant. This is episode 46, Cpl. Eric Spicer and Keith McCallum's story.